The National Art Honor Society (NAHS) collaborates throughout the year to organize various events and fundraisers, but Night of the Pumpkins (NOTP) is, by far, its most successful. The annual event is an early celebration of Halloween as it features over 200 jack-o-lanterns carved by NAHS members and that can be purchased. In addition, there are spooky games, activities, face painting, and even a fortune teller to prepare the community’s children for Halloween. A significant portion of the funds raised this year will be donated to the Island Harvest Food Bank, a leading hunger-relief foundation aiming to bring relief to Long Island families in need during the holiday season. NOTP was held on Saturday, Oct. 28 and proved to be a success among volunteers and those who attended.
“The amount of kindness and appreciation we received was nearly overwhelming,” senior Kristina Ligai, president of NAHS, expressed. Ligai and other members welcomed families as they entered the event, and she enjoyed seeing the positive energy the event radiated. “During events like these, I feel more connected to my community than ever,” she added.
Alongside NAHS members, Key Club, Culinary Arts Club, Environmental Club, and Diversity Club contributed to the event. Key Club members ran games like bean bag throw, bowling, and Connect Four, and sold snacks and water. The Environmental Club ran a creative nature-themed activity, and the Diversity Club had kids decorate wooden skulls to represent Dia de los Muertos. The Culinary Club sold homemade fall-themed baked goods, including pumpkin bread and apple cider donuts, which contributed immensely to the final profit raised.
Senior and NAHS Secretary Mindy Leu was extremely proud of how the night turned out. “My personal favorite part of the night was the ambiance of the event itself, seeing new and old faces, and our proceeds, which are helping those in need. It is just an extremely fun event; seeing all the kids having fun while we are able to show off the creativity of our members,” Leu expressed.
The doors opened to guests at 6 PM, but the NAHS, advised by art teacher Michael Kunz, worked hard throughout the week preparing for the event. They spent hours sorting and hanging up decorations, buying supplies, creating raffle baskets, and assembling pumpkins. “It was a relief to see members working so well together and enjoying themselves,” Ligai remarked. “I saw their dedication, which means so much considering we got a lot of new members this year,” she added. Every year, the day before the event is deemed the “Hollowing Out,” where members and other volunteers spend their afternoon scooping out pumpkins to prepare them for carving. “The ‘Hollowing Out’ makes it easier for those who would like to carve pumpkins on the night of and the day of the event,” Leu explained. Following the Hollowing Out, pumpkins are brought home, and students and their families showcase their skill and create jack-o-lanterns to display. Popular designs this year were Hello Kitty, Frankenstein, Jack and Sally Skellington, and a Taylor Swift “Reputation” inspired pumpkin made by junior Olivia Palleschi. “It was fun seeing everyone admire the pumpkin designs,” Palleschi recalled.
For some, Night of the Pumpkins is a new tradition. Sophomore Cadhla Reynolds is a recent member of NAHS and was excited to contribute to the night. “It is cool seeing so many pumpkins illuminated and the excitement of all the families here,” she said.
The pumpkins were sold for $10 each, and those who purchased received a ticket corresponding to their pumpkin. At the end of the night, guests could cash in their ticket to redeem their pumpkin. This way, the hard work of the NAHS would be on display all night. Along with profits from snack sales and raffles, NOTP 2023 generated roughly $5,000.
NOTP is a tradition unique to LHS and is cherished among members of the community. It is described as a special and memorable way to bring family and friends together to get into the Halloween spirit, while raising money to help those in need.
